The long cold of winter

While winter in Ohio is unpredictable and can swing from bitter cold to a deceptively early and short-lived spring, the reality of winter taking a toll on us is certainly true. I find that people often grow discouraged in these months. I have felt this at times, and it is why I go on retreat in January because that is when I need the Lord’s care and love most. With that, know the Lord sees you trying and sees you in your struggle, and He is pleased with the ways you are attempting to grow in union with Him and to love your family and neighbor better. The Lord will sustain you even if you do not feel it. I want to assure you that you are a beloved child of His and our Father has you in hand. You are dear to Him. So please do not be discouraged but take hope in God’s never-failing love for you.

As we continue through February, please check the bulletin for Ash Wednesday liturgy times and for other Lenten opportunities. In particular, take a look at the chances you will have to receive the Lord’s mercy in Confession. He awaits with joy to bestow His merciful love upon you. Also, please note that some of the times listed (they should be marked) for Ash Wednesday will be Liturgy of the Word with Ashes. This is because Ash Wednesday is not a holy day of obligation and thus, we will be entrusting these liturgies to our amazing and faithful deacons. Thank you to them for helping us out on Ash Wednesday in a big way.

I would invite you all to look at your Lenten penance and take two things into consideration. First, keep it simple. I have at times tried to do too many penances and practices in the season of Lent. This left me feeling discouraged and overwhelmed. So, consider perhaps choosing a practice/penance for each major focus for the season of Lent (prayer, penance, almsgiving, and fasting are the “big four” often highlighted in Lent). Then also ask yourself if these practices are helping you grow in friendship with Jesus Christ and increasing your love for others.

In Lent, we will begin utilizing kneelers at all four of our parish churches. This has been the case at some of our parishes already. The practice has been requested by a number of people from across the St. Joseph, Pillar of Families Parishes and after prayerful consideration and consultation, I believe that it is now time for us to begin making the option of receiving Holy Communion on the tongue while kneeling for the entire Family. This will begin at all Parishes the weekend of February 25-26. Why have people asked to have the option of receiving while kneeling? It is out of desire to show honor and love for our Lord in the Eucharist by their posture. The practice is meant to express an inner disposition of heart. Does this mean that if you do not receive in this way you have less devotion? No, the Church allows for a number of options in reception and those options are all good and valid. Thus, we allow each Catholic the opportunity to reflect on the way they receive and to ask themselves if their outward devotion reflects the inner disposition of their heart. Please take the time to ask yourself how the Lord is calling you to receive. Again, let no one say that what the Church allows is evil. For we are all one in Christ though we be different parts and people. (1 Cor 12:12)

Please take the DMI survey if you have not already. (Here is the link: https://portal.catholicleaders.org/dmi/survey/y8g293) The response from our parish family has been amazing. So, thank you for your participation. If you have already taken the DMI, thank you! Please encourage others to do so.

A big thank-you to all of our retired priests who help out in many different ways and make the lives of parish priests so much better. They are an example of service and generosity to us young pups.

Peace in Christ,

Fr. Jarred Kohn